The secret behind a beautiful natural glowing skin and fully moisturized hair is shea butter – except, well it’s not really a secret. So how come we don’t all plaster ourselves with shea butter on the daily to benefit from these properties that have clearly done wonders for its regular users? In Mali, the main reason is because of its odor. Shea butter has a nutty scent, which can range from very mild to very wild. So why exactly does shea butter smell the way it does? We've got the answers for you.
The shea tree takes 10-15 years before bearing fruits. These fruits contain nuts from which the butter is extracted. Shea Butter is highly coveted all over the world, but the fruits are seasonal. So how do shea butter makers meet the world's demand for shea butter all year long? Simple, during the fruition of the trees, shea nuts are collected, dried and stored one way or another. The most common way of storage is to bury the nuts. During their time underground, the shea nuts can rot, or start to grow again, and if the makers do not selectively sort these nuts, one bad nut will ruin the entire batch with a potent smell. Through the smell does not affect the qualities, it has tendencies to be too potent from which any novice nose turns away from.
Everyone experiences the smell of shea butter differently, but all reap from its benefits equally. If your shea butter does not have a nutty scent, that means it has been refined or treated in one way or another. Refined shea butter is very convenient in the cosmetic world, because it has been stripped away of its natural (sometimes unpleasant) odor and can easily be scented with fragrances. However, this shea butter is not only stripped of its odor but also of most of its natural healing properties and vitamins that make it a remarkable butter. Refined shea butter in Africa is not considered to be shea butter anymore because it has lost its purpose.
Sanoun shea butter is raw, unrefined and brought to you as nature intended. It naturally melts and blends with the skin and hair beautifully to moisturize, soothe and pamper. Sanoun women only make small batches at a time to ensure that all bad nuts are removed. We spend a much longer time on nut sorting in order to bring our customers quality every single time.
Next time you buy shea butter, it may have an odor that may be unpleasant to the novice nostril, but that should not stop you from reaping from its amazing benefits! Give it whiff every day, rub a small amount on your hands and feel the smell disappear as your nose becomes more acquainted. Nonetheless, whenever shopping for shea butter, we recommend to start with a small quantity, get acquainted, then go big. The effort is really worth it, we guarantee it!
P.S: you can also add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to please your nose and your skin/hair with added benefits. See our recipes for DIY ideas.
Start your shea butter journey here
Our doors are always open to you, let us help you with your journey with tips and tricks. Trust us, we got you!
]]>It is well known that shea butter is an oil extracted from the shea nut. The fruit grows on trees commonly known as Karité trees or “shi-soun” in the Bambara language spoken in Mali. It takes decades to bear fruits, grows in Africa only and can last over 100 years! Legends say that shea butter was an important cosmetic product in the Egypt of Cleopatra; and was the secret of the queen’s undeniable beauty. If you ask us, all African women have silky, beautiful, and age defying skin. The secret – SHEA BUTTER BABY!
We know that shea butter is rich in nutrients, we know it provides unmatched moisturizing properties, and we know that it has therapeutic properties as well. But did you know that the shea fruits are a seasonal favorite widely consumed in Mali, West Africa?? Yes! That is right, the shea fruit is called “shi” in Mali. During the summer seasons, the streets are filled with shi. The fruit itself looks like a green peach. It has a very tender and sweet flesh which melts in the mouth. In the streets, kids use the shea nuts as pawns in the shea game. It consists of each player carefully and strategically hitting his/her opponent’s shea nut with their own to cause the opponent’s shea nut to break. The winner takes the loser’s shea fruits!
This is also the time when shea butter is abundant and used in most women’s kitchens for cooking. In the capital of Mali, the best street donut that one can find in the morning is known as “fouroufourou”. It is a dough fried with shea butter. The butter gives the donuts a nutty scent some sprinkle milk powder and sugar on top while others prefer to dip it in warm milk before devouring.
Finally, the most important benefit of shea butter is its lucrative side. It is a vital item of trade in Africa and is mostly owned by women cooperatives; hence in Burkina Faso, it has earned the name “Women’s Gold”. It is a valuable source of income and allows them to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. In Mali, the production of shea butter is fully managed by women. This is a means for them to be independent and contribute to the family expenses. In most cases they are the ones who take care of all the family expenses. The most fortunate can thus offer education to their kids.
The art of making shea butter is conveyed from mother to daughter and down generations of shea women. At Sanoun, our goal is to showcase these hard-working women thanks to whom the entire world can be supplied with shea butter and beautiful skin. Our cooperative in Mali is composed of women in the village of Bougouni in need of a source of income. They work year-round to produce silky smooth liquid gold that is sure to leave your body nourished from head to toe.
]]>“If I can change the life of one person it makes a whole difference because behind that person there is a whole family. It’s a family, it’s a society, it’s Tanzania.” - Victoria Kisyombe
The machine that started it all. Featuring Sarata Berthe
Sarata was forced out of retirement in her old age after the loss of her husband. Like most women in Africa, Sarata is hard working and strives for financial independence. She provides us with the best quality shea butter within West Africa using her unique process of production. she had always had an entrepreneurial spirit but never had the opportunity to explore it. However, these were hard times, so when she came up on an oil press machine, she decided to push her luck making shea butter. Her butter was sensational and had become the talk of the town because of its exceptional quality. With her idea, she assembled a group of women to take on the journey of entrepreneurship.
The most challenging part of her business was transforming it from idea to reality. As she did not have much funding to start, she began by producing shea butter on a small scale and selling it at a very low price. Despite her tumultuous beginnings, it has now been five years that Sarata has been producing and selling shea butter in Mali. She currently has eleven employees from the village, most of whom are women.
Sarata (right) teaching one of the women in her village how to sort out shea nuts before production of the butter
With no doubt, Sarata was able to better her life by starting the shea butter business. The activity increased her revenue; thus, she was able to offer herself quality food, and care. She is also very happy that now she can afford to gift others in her surrounding and improve her business. She recently bought a second machine that will definitely increase her production.
Sarata’s greatest wish is that her shea butter business keeps growing and be successful enough to enable her to open a factory. With a bigger production, she will be able to buy better quality equipment and work more efficiently. More importantly, she will be able to employ more women and provide them with the opportunity to become financially independent. In addition to this social initiative, she also hopes to educate the world about all the benefits of shea butter.
Sarata’s story is one of resilience, courage and innovation. At Sanoun, our sole purpose is to help empower women like Sarata and to change the lives of others no matter how small the change. During this journey, we will communicate Sarata’s vision and wisdom with you. We will teach you about our beautiful Africa and all there is to know about its magical shea butter
When you buy from Sanoun, not only are you feeding your body with the most natural and nourishing products, but you are also joining a movement to bring education, equality, and financial freedom to women like Sarata.
Put your sneakers on and join us down the road to success with Sarata and her brave women!
]]>Hey there! 🌟
I'm Shea, your friendly neighborhood superhero disguised as butter. Yep, you heard that right—I'm not your average grocery store find. I hail from the vibrant landscapes of West Africa, Mali, squeezed out of the purest shea nuts you could ever dream of. Around here, they call me "women's gold," and oh, do I have tales to spin on why that is!
Let's take a trip to Mali, where a group of extraordinary women form a co-op that's all about strength, self-reliance, and a sprinkle of magic. These wonder women use some seriously innovative and green methods to whip me up, ensuring I'm nothing but premium grade. When you choose me, you're not just getting a jar of butter; you're handing out capes to thousands of women fighting the good fight against poverty. Hence, the shiny title of women's gold.
Now, let's talk texture—because, let's face it, that's where I really shine. Creamy, rich, and oh-so-smooth, I'm the superhero of oils, known for centuries in Africa for my healing, and soothing superpowers. Benefits? I've got a suitcase full. Packed with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins, I'm here to moisturize, protect, and rejuvenate your skin and hair, turning the ordinary into extraordinary. Eczema, insomnia, stretch marks, or even a grumpy baby? I'm on it, no cape required.
But wait, there's more! While I revel in my status as women's gold, I'm really rooting to be everyone's treasure. Enter stage left: Sanoun. In Mali, "Sanoun" means gold in Bambara, and it's no coincidence. They're the guardians of my legacy, ensuring I'm as rich and luxurious as can be.
Legend whispers of my secret powers over beauty and health, but hey, why not see for yourself? I'm ready to leap off the shelf and into your life, promising adventures in wellness you've never imagined.
Why wait? It's time to make some magic happen. Let's turn today into gold! ✨
Grab your slice of gold with Sanoun, and let's start this journey together. You'll thank me later—after all, every superhero needs their sidekick.
]]>